The Oakland Athletics clinched an automatic spot in the ALDS round by achieving a 90-72 record this season, which secured their first AL West title since 2001 and the second-best record among AL division champions. The Cincinnati Reds aspired to secure a bye for much of the season, but surrendering a 14-game advantage in the AL Central necessitated a road trip for the Wild Card Series as a No. 6 seed. Nevertheless, the Reds prevailed over the Brewers in three games to progress further.
The Reds and Athletics have never met in the postseason previously, making it a novel contest. The Reds last captured the World Series in 1990, while the Athletics are still in search of their inaugural World Series appearance.
Athletics vs. Reds schedule
|
Game 1 |
Sat., Oct. 4 |
8:38 pm ET |
Fox |
|
Game 2 |
Sun., Oct. 5 |
8:03 p.m. ET |
Fox |
| Game 3 | Tues., Oct. 7 | TBD | Fox |
| Game 4 (if nec.) | Wed., Oct. 8 | TBD | Fox |
| Game 5 (if nec.) | Fri., Oct. 10 | TBD | Fox |
Athletics vs. Reds: Game 1 info
- Time: 8:38 p.m. ET | Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
- Location: Oakland Coliseum — Oakland
- TV channel: Fox | Live stream: Fubo.tv
- Starting pitchers: TBD
- Odds: Reds +180, Athletics -215 | O/U: 7
Game 1 storylines
Athletics: The Athletics are well-rested and posted a 51-30 record at home this season. They triumphed in 17 of their final 18 games before securing the division and subsequently concluded with a sweep by the Dodgers in a series of little consequence. Their pitching lineup is in a favorable position. The primary concern revolves around whether the absence of a victory since Sept. 25 will have an impact. It’s worth noting that the Athletics, along with every other team, experience a four-day break during the All-Star period, and they emerged victorious in their first two games following the break against formidable opponents in the Astros.
Reds: The Reds stumbled towards the conclusion, suffering defeats in 13 of their last 16 games. They prevailed in Luis Castillo’s start in the Wild Card Series, but narrowly, following a commanding pitching display, only to succumb in Game 2. Did they regain any momentum with that Game 3 win that featured a late offensive surge? The team had been relatively ineffective without Castillo previously, so perhaps they’ve made a positive turn.
Series odds, prediction
- Series odds (via FanDuel): Reds +146 | Athletics -172
The Reds went 28-41 following July 8, and their narrow escape against a mediocre division winner in the Brewers doesn’t particularly alter my perception of them. Conversely, the Athletics are a remarkable squad with the potential for something extraordinary. It commences here. Athletics in 4.
